Noah Syndergaard said Thursday his strained right index finger is feeling better but he will rest for a few more days before picking up a baseball and will probably miss one or two starts, though he’s not exactly sure when he will throw next or return to game action.

Before the Mets’ 5-1 loss to the Cubs, Syndergaard said he felt like he could pitch through the issue. “But I think when I voiced what was going on to the training staff, they did a great job of making sure they took all the precautionary measures so something catastrophic didn’t happen.”

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Sandy Alderson said he was with Syndergaard when the pitcher was being examined and the options were wide-ranging, one extreme being Syndergaard making his scheduled start earlier this week in Atlanta. But Alderson thought that would be “cavalier.”

Meanwhile, Steven Matz’s middle finger felt well enough Thursday that he played catch, and he’s scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday.

“The doctor said it’s just gonna take moving it around to get some of the fluid out. It’s way better today,” Matz said.

The lefthander hopes to make his next start. “We’re just taking it day by day right now and seeing how everything progresses,” he said. “We’re not gonna say any bold statements, but right now I’m glad where I’m at.”

JOEY BATS A LOT

Jose Bautista has been impressive at the plate recently. (Morry Gash / AP)

With the Cubs starting three lefties in their four-game series against the Mets, Jose Bautista will see a lot of playing time. He started in left field Thursday against Jose Quintana with Jay Bruce playing first base and Adrian Gonzalez on the bench.

Entering Thursday Bautista was 7-for-19 with two doubles since signing with the Mets.

“I think Bautista’s gonna be busy, which, he deserves to play left and right in my opinion because he’s been putting good swings on the ball and he’s been great in the field,” Mickey Callaway said. “You’ll see him in there obviously. I think with the four lefties that are options to play, we need to be a little creative and maybe a couple of them will get days off and go from there.”

Callaway likes what he’s seen from Bruce at first base. “He’s got great footwork. He’s got a great feel for getting the ball in his glove on ground balls and things like that,” Callaway said. “I think he’s gonna be a good first baseman at some point, and probably full time at some point in his career; that’s probably his evolution. I can’t predict when that would be, but I think he’s gonna do a good job over there.”

THANKS DEVIN

Devin Mesoraco remained in the game after being hit in the head by Javier Baez’s backswing in the sixth inning. Mesoraco said he went through quick testing afterward. “No issues,” he said.

INJURY REPORT

Anthony Swarzak (strained left oblique) is scheduled to make his final rehab appearance on Sunday, Callaway said. Todd Frazier (strained left hamstring) was set to begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Las Vegas. He was scheduled to play five innings in the field.